Archive for blackened symphonic metal

ILLUSION OF FATE Release “Exsanguination” Video, Announce New EP Out 2027

Posted in Black Metal, black metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on September 12, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Watch “Exsanguination”Here! https://youtu.be/FHhAtN2-UfE

Blackened symphonic death metal ensemble ILLUSION OF FATE unveil their new single and video release, “Exsanguination.”  This is the first single to arrive ahead of the band’s upcoming EP, scheduled for January 2027. 

“‘Exsanguination’ began as one of the first songs written after experimenting with a seven string guitar”, the band explain. “While the foundation remained rooted in melodic blackened death metal, the goal was to create something with a stronger death metal punch while continuing to emphasize melody”.

The band also expand their sonic range, drawing inspiration from synthwave and incorporating industrial electronic textures to create an enhanced cinematic atmosphere. 

Lyrically, “Exsanguination” “explores the struggle of existing within an endless cycle of change while fearing the loss of identity. Ancient wisdom, symbolic imagery and forces older than humanity guide the narrator through a painful process of transformation”.

Alongside this announcement, ILLUSION OF FATE will be appearing at Northern Wisconsin Metalfest and performing at The Den supporting ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE with FATAL FALL, this September. 

9/10 – Northern Wisconsin Metalfest, Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
9/13 – The Den, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Exsanguination was produced by Hayden Crownover at Crownover Productions. The release was mixed by Hayden Crownover and mastered by Alan Douches. The cover artwork for Exsanguination was created by Kevin Wegner (Very Deadly Media). 

About ILLUSION OF FATE:

Emerging from the wastes of the American Midwest, ILLUSION OF FATE has been honing their distinctive brand of blackened symphonic death metal since 2019. With multiple releases available worldwide, national tours across the United States, and performances at underground festivals including Tennessee Metal Devastation, Michigan Metalfest and the legendary Milwaukee Metalfest, the band only continues to persevere.

ILLUSION OF FATE unveiled their first EP Emerging Sentience in 2020, followed by the King of Serpents EP in 2021 and Portals to Kur LP in 2024, all released independently. At the core of ILLUSION OF FATE’s identity lies the Bloodcult Mythos, an epic, grimdark saga spanning millennia, conceptually woven through each EP and full length release.

Their unmistakable fusion of thrash, death, and black metal with sweeping orchestral arrangements conjures an atmosphere both ethereal and terrifying. Combined with their commanding stage presence, infused with the theatrical visuals of black and gothic metal, they immerse audiences fully into the world their music describes.

Notably one of Wisconsin’s only touring metal acts, the band has shared the stages with iconic acts such as OBSCURA, RIVERS OF NIHIL, VALE OF PNATH, DYING FETUS, DECREPIT BIRTH, PSYCROPTIC, UADA, OMNIUM GATHERUM, and many more. ILLUSION OF FATE continues to carve their place among modern extreme metal with new releases and live expansions on the horizon, the Bloodcult grows ever stronger. The forthcoming EP will arrive in January 2027. 

ILLUSION OF FATE:
Kevin Wegner (King Morbid) – Vocals
Hayden Crownover (Erebus)- Lead Guitar and backing vocals
Bryan Bykowski (Slaanesh)- Bass Guitar and backing vocals
Austin Vicars (Malevolence)- Drums and percussion

ILLUSION OF FATE Online:

Bandcamp: https://illusionoffate.bandcamp.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IOFofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illusion_of_fate

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7vlsXTuFGlg6psz4rjj742

Source: C Squared Music

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Vancouver’s ETERNIOS Summons the Northern Frost with New Single “Requiem of the North”

Posted in Black Metal, blackened symphonic metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on January 29, 2026 by Metal Odyssey

Sophomore Album Coming In 2026

Rising Blackened Symphonic Death Metal force Eternios return with their monumental new single “Requiem of the North,” the title track from their highly anticipated sophomore album due out in late 2026. The single marks the next evolution of the project originally founded by multi‑instrumentalist and composer Colin Ryley (Hyperia, Bayonet Dismemberment), who launched Eternios as a studio‑only creative outlet before expanding it into a full live band.

Following the acclaimed 2025 debut Mysterium, praised for its fusion of aggressive black metal and sweeping orchestral arrangements, Eternios now sharpen their vision with a colder, more expansive sound rooted deeply in the landscapes that inspired it.

“Requiem of the North” is both a musical and emotional centerpiece for the upcoming album.

“This single and the album in general are my love letter to the northern wilderness of Canada. I’ve spent countless hours roaming the forests and mountains of Western Canada. That cold, melancholic silence you feel surrounded by snow and frost is something I wanted to channel directly into the music,” says Colin.

The track erupts with blast beats, tremolo‑picked harmonies, and sweeping orchestral layers before shifting into a massive, melodic chorus. A neo‑classical C‑section and a soaring dual‑guitar outro push the composition into cinematic territory, blending extreme aggression with haunting beauty.

Listen to “Requiem of the North” via its lyric video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqVA0cWHoc8

Colin describes Eternios’ sonic identity in five words: Melodic, Aggressive, Melancholic, Intricate, Fast.

“Requiem of the North”embodies all of these traits while offering a polished and expanded version of the sound established on Mysterium. With the transition toward live performance, vocalist Marlee Ryley (Hyperia) now fronts the band, allowing Colin to focus fully on guitar and orchestrations.

“I’m very proud of how the single turned out. I think it’s a great representation of what’s coming on the full‑length. I hope fans of extreme black metal and extreme melodic metal both find something to connect with,” adds Colin.

Add to your Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/track/75l7QruoJEWZbGRP7hv3ZJ

The single’s artwork, created by renowned artist Mike Hrubovcak (Visual Darkness), is a chilling preview of the full album’s visual world.

“It’s very winter‑heavy. Icy blues, whites, and music notation swirling out of a polar blizzard. Mike’s work with Imperial Crystalline Entombment is some of my favourite black metal artwork ever, so collaborating with him was incredible,” says Colin.

Eternios remains a deeply personal project at its core. Colin explains further:

“All the songs were written by me, usually locked away for hours piecing together structures and symphonic arrangements until I’m satisfied. The music almost always comes first. The lyrics are shaped by the imagery the music creates.”

While the debut album was entirely written, performed, and produced by Colin Ryley, the new era of Eternios will see more collaboration as the full lineup solidifies. “Requiem for the North,” the album, will feature nine original tracks and one cover, delivering a sweeping journey through frostbitten atmospheres, melodic aggression, and symphonic grandeur. The album is expected in Spring 2026, with more singles to follow.

“This album contains all the darkness, harmony, and aggression that define Eternios. The songs have been flowing naturally, and I expect many more albums to come,” adds Colin.

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/eterniosmetal​

https://www.instagram.com/eterniosmetal

Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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